By: Ivana Dragica |
The best healing herbs – mint |
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According to Greek myth, Mint was a nymph unsuccessfully chased by the voluptuous god of the underworld – Hades.
He blinded her with his shiny chariot but she was saved from him by queen Persephone who turned her into a mint.
There are over 250 types of mint; the most famous ones are spiked mint and peppermint.
It is believed that mint came from the Far East and it has been used for 10 000 years.
It is very popular in many parts of the world, especially in Arabic world where it is used as a spice and is regularly used for making tea.
Elsewhere around the world people have been drinking mint tea for centuries because of its pleasant taste and aroma and numerous healing properties.
Mint’s healing properties
Mint is one of the teas everyone should have at home since it helps with various problems.
It contains high amounts of menthol which makes this plant recognizable.
Menthol activates receptors sensitive to coldness in the skin and tissue mucosa which creates a sensation of cooling which distinguishes this plant.
Menthol is often found in toothpastes and mouth washing waters. It prevents gum diseases and bad breath and drinking mint tea generally helps preserve oral cavity health.
Mint has long been known for calming digestive tract, reducing the stomach and intestinal pains, alleviating various cramps and sicknesses, especially those caused by traveling.
It enhances weight-loss since it has a diuretic effect, enhances metabolism and reduces appetite. Apart from that, mint tea and other mixtures are proven to be very effective against irritable bowel syndrome.
One of the primary mint properties is stress alleviation. Mint contains high quantities of tryptophan, which makes serotonin that lifts the mood.
Mint reduces headaches and stomach problems caused by stress.
Drinking mint tea before going to sleep will calm your organism and help you fall asleep.
Mint contains vitamins A, C and other active compounds like rosemary acid that enhance organism's resistance against inflammations and infections.
This plant reduces the common cold symptoms and dry cough, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the production of compounds that cause inflammations.
It is believed that mint, due to rosemary acid, alleviates allergies and asthma. Mint wraps help against allergy rashes and mint tea inhalation reduces clogging in respiratory pathways.
Some researches indicate that the mint could have anti-carcinogenic properties since it contains perilla alcohol. During the testing phase, perilla alcohol showed to prevent colon, skin and lung cancer.
But, additional researches are mandatory for proving this effect.
It is proven that regular mint tea consumption reduced undesired hair growth on legs, chests, face, backs and other body parts caused by increased levels of male sex hormones.
This plant:
- suppresses infections and inflammations
- helps against asthma and allergies
- strengthens the immunity
- helps with digestive problems
- prevents gum diseases and bad breath
- enhances weight-loss
- alleviates stress and insomnia
Mint oil
Mint essential oil contains vitamins A and C, omega 3-fatty acids and minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium and copper.
It is good for treating various health problems and has similar effects as mint tea.
In mainstream medicine it is approved for treating headaches, rheumatic problems, skin pruritus (itching), allergic skin inflammations, bloating, irritable colon, common cold and cough.
In aromatherapy this oil is recommended to be taken orally if you suffer from problems with bile and liver and acnes.
It has a beneficial effect on sore muscles. Add a couple of mint essential oil drops into any base oil and use it for massages.
Mint in cuisine
Mint has a broad application in cuisine.
It is great as a spice in soups, salads, vegetable dishes, sweet treats and refreshing beverages.
It goes great with vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, pees and fruits such as pineapples, lemons, oranges and pumpkins. You can also add it to yoghurt and even chocolate.
Mint tea is popular in Africa and Middle East where it is served in special silver cups.
When making mint tea, have in mind that water quality and purity can affect the taste.
Pour 2 dcl of boiling water over a spoon of mint, put the lid over the mixture and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Filter the mixture and drink freshly made tea.
Cultivation and storing
Mint can be cultivated in the garden, but have in mind that mint loves deep, moist and rich soils.
Plant a couple of seedlings and water them properly and mint will soon start expanding.
Pick mint just before it blossoms, which happens at different times during the year. Dry it in the shade.
Store dried mint in closed glass containers in a dark place for 9 to 12 months.
Mint should not be consumed by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, small children, infants, people allergic to menthol and all those who experience stomach acid problems.
Excessive amounts of mint tea can lead to diarrhea, cramps, muscle pains, rashes, and sleepiness. Make sure that mint essential oil does not come into contact with your eyes.
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